What's Your Deal, Martin Patriquin?

Yesterday Maclean's Magazine published its most recent edition claiming Quebec to be the most corrupt province in Canada. The article uncovers scandals and wrongdoing and delves into a lengthy history in la belle province. The cover featured the innocent mascot Bonhomme Carnaval carrying a suitcase full of cash.

But I thought to myself, Maclean's, corrupt, these are words I've heard before. Oh yes, back in November 2009, Maclean's published the article titled and sub-titled: "Montreal is a disaster: The once-glamorous city is now a corrupt, crumbling, mob-ridden disgrace. What went wrong?" The cover proclaimed "Montreal is a corrupt, crumbling, Mob-ridden disgrace."


Oh. And look, both articles are written by the same author: Martin Patriquin. A Quebecer. A Montreal. The Quebec bureau chief for Maclean's. I can't really figure out much else on the man, except he's a local and probably writing about what he knows best.

Maybe he is right, perhaps there is a lot of corruption in Montreal and Quebec. I am all for political accountability and believe this city and province could be run much better. We could be a thriving metropolis and province, but somehow we lag. But in the past two years, Maclean's has only ever bashed Montreal and Quebec so openly on its front cover. What of the other provinces, are they all run with such integrity? (Although back in 2008 the cover procalimed BC: The World Crime Superpower). I just wonder if stories are getting blown out of proportion in order sell more magazines in an age when the industry is in decline.

Why not become informed citizens and demand more from our politicians? Go pick up a Maclean's, go take a read.